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England’s youngsters are all set for a must win game against Czech Republic on Sunday in the Under-21 European Championship.
Stuart Pearce’s men have drawn both of their opening fixtures and sit third in Group B knowing that they need to secure a top two finish to make it through to the semi-final stage.
With Sunday’s opponents Czech Republic in 2nd place as things stand and a point better off than England, it is a straight shoot out between the two with leaders Spain expected to beat bottom of the table Ukraine.
England have flattered to deceive so far in Denmark. They managed to secure a 1-1 draw with Spain in the first game, but were thoroughly outplayed for large periods.
Danny Welbeck snatched a late goal for the Three Lions as they showed excellent spirit to keep going against an impressive Spain side and this could yet prove to be a crucial point.
However, in the second game against Ukraine, it was a poor performances from Pearce’s side and one which left them in the position of having to win their last game.
England seemed short on ideas from the offset, with the long ball tactic being used more often than perhaps it should be.
The introduction of Scott Sinclair and Henri Lansbury livened things up somewhat and they will both be considered for a starting berth in the next game.
Pearce certainly needs to work out what his best team is if England are to progress. Of course it is more about development of players than anything else, but to not make the semi-finals would be extremely disappointing.
Especially when you consider the amount of major European nations that didn’t quality. None of Italy, France, Germany, Spain or Holland are involved.
Perhaps the must win element will suit England. It means they have to go for goals from the off and not hold their attacking play back.
The freedom created by the need for a win might benefit the young players. There is plenty of exciting talent in the squad and now it is time to see it in action.
Should a victory be achieved, England will likely face Switzerland in the semi-finals, so there is motive to progress with an excellent chance of making the final.
First things first, but to win this tournament would be a superb learning curve for England’s young guns. Defeat in the group stage and it would be an all too familiar feeling as they look to make their way into the senior squad.
You can see them take on Czech Republic on Sunday evening.
